The deceased were identified as Lairenlakpam Inaobi, 57, Arubam Ronin, 35, and Kshetrimayum Susil, 32. The injured were identified as Ngangom Suraj, 19, Meisnam Somendro, 53, and Khomdram Bosan, 45.
TFM Report
Enraged villagers and supporters attempted to march towards the Chief Minister’s Office at Babupara in Imphal following the killing of two people at Hongman Sanurok on Monday.
Protestors kept dead bodies outside the CM’s office. Security forces fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.
At least three people were killed and three others sustained bullet injuries when armed men allegedly opened fire on villagers collecting firewood near Hongman village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Monday morning, officials and local sources said.
The deceased were identified as Lairenlakpam Inaobi, 57, Arubam Ronin, 35, and Kshetrimayum Susil, 32. The injured were identified as Ngangom Suraj, 19, Meisnam Somendro, 53, and Khomdram Bosan, 45. They were taken to a private hospital in Imphal for treatment.
According to local, around 16 villagers had gone to collect firewood in a forest near Khongban Sunurok, also known as Khongbal in Meitei, close to Khamenlok, when the armed men allegedly opened fire on them.
Ngangom Darashing Meitei, father of injured Suraj, told reporters that the assailants, who allegedly wore red ribbons and carried sophisticated firearms, were positioned behind a pile of cut firewood before opening fire on the villagers.
Inaobi and Ronin died at the spot, while Susil succumbed to his injuries while being taken to hospital, officials said.
Local Congress MLA Th Lokeshwar said the villagers had gone to collect firewood after receiving assurances regarding their safety.
“If the government fails to nab the culprits within 24 hours, there is no need for such a government,” Lokeshwar told reporters, demanding swift action.
The attack triggered protests, with villagers alleging that they remained vulnerable to attacks by armed Kuik groups despite the withdrawal of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) cadres from the area. The allegations have not been independently verified.
Following the incident, a road blockade was reported at Khurai Lamlong in Imphal East district as tensions escalated.
The Khamenlok area, located along the boundary between Imphal East and Kangpokpi districts, has witnessed repeated outbreaks of violence since ethnic clashes erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023. In June 2023, an attack in the area left at least nine people dead and five others injured.
The latest incident comes amid continuing security concerns in the state, where violence has repeatedly disrupted normal life and heightened tensions between communities. Police investigation into Monday’s attack is awaited.